Comic Book Project
Each student will write a major paper or create a major project for the course, such as a literary analysis of a comic book, a sociological exploration of a comic book issue, or even creating a comic book or writing a superhero story.
Papers and stories should be around 10 pages long. Comic books would obviously be longer, more like a typical comic book length (around 23 pages of text and art). Other projects should be of suitable length that it is clear they involved significant work and effort.
The project should be word processed, double-spaced in a standard 12-point font, and include references following MLA or APA style.
Required work on the Comic Book Project will include:
- writing a proposal for the project
- writing draft 1
- in class review of draft 1
- writing draft 2
- conference with the instructor about draft 2
- final revision (due at the final exam date)
Team Comic Book Lesson
Each student will work in a team (of 2-4 people) and lead a class lesson on a topic related to comic books, graphic novels, and/or superheroes (each team will select its own topic).
All required work for the Team Comic Book Lesson will be done as a group. All students in a team will receive the same grades for any work completed. This work will include:
- writing a proposal for the lesson
- creating a web site or PowerPoint for the lesson
- writing an outline of the lesson
- creating a handout for distribution to the entire class during the lesson
Superhero Blog
- Each student will create their own superhero character. This character’s adventures will be described in a semester long blog. Other class members will respond to the story and add plot elements to the unfolding adventure.
Other Course Work
- Student will read and discuss the literary features of comic books, graphic novels, and comic book related films.
- Students will read and discuss texts and films exploring the impact comic books have had on society.
- Students may be given quizzes on these required readings.
- Students will write eJournals and other tasks related to central course topics. This work will be done both in class and as assigned home work.
- All students will create their own web page for the class.
- All students will conduct a short survey as part of the course.
- (Extra credit opportunities may include super soldier serum tests and radioactive lab experiments)
Final Examination
- Your final exam will involve defeating an evil villain in hand-to-hand combat. (Actually, there isn’t really a final exam. Your final course task is to successfully revise your Comic Book Paper. But if anyone gets out of hand, I’m calling Magneto in to give you the final!)